Lagraulière : Saint-Marcel Church

This church dating from the 12th century has a single nave plan with a modified transept on the south side, while the northern cross has retained its original development, supplemented by a vaulted absidiole in a cul-de-four. Originally, the nave was covered with a cradle vault, but it is now covered with a wooden ceiling. The crossing of the transept, supported by square pillars surrounded by half-cylindrical columns, is surmounted by a spherical dome based on pendants, with an elliptical cap. This cap is distinguished by its eight arches in third point which seem to have been designed to accommodate openings in order to illuminate the vault. A square tower, serving as a bell tower, overlooks the crossroads of the transept. The western porch, formed by a vaulted passage in cradle, is surmounted by a square tower on two levels where there were formerly accommodation for the monks of Aubazine. Each of the interior walls of the porch is decorated with semicircular arches with columns and carved capitals, as well as bas-reliefs. On the north side, we see the representation of the death of a rich villain, while on the south side is a stingy with a demon, and a man overwhelmed by the weight of a huge fish. The portal, flanked by fine columns, opens under a triple archivolt in third point.